Votes at a glance: Pullman council approves CHIP grant application, temporary Old City Hall leases and 2026 legislative priorities

The Pullman City Council on Sept. 29 approved several motions important to housing, nonprofit continuity and the city’s 2026 state lobbying agenda.

Votes at a glance

- Authorize submittal of a grant application to the Washington State Department of Commerce (CHIP — Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program) in partnership with Hills & Rivers Housing Trust: motion approved (motion text: “Authorize submittal of a grant application to the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program for affordable housing”). Council member Guido announced he will recuse from voting on this item due to a board affiliation; the council recorded one abstention at roll call. Staff emphasized that applying does not constitute approval of any zoning or permitting related to a future development. (Recorded motion and discussion: 09:35–09:57.)

- Authorize mayor and director of finance and administrative services to enter into short‑term lease agreements for Old City Hall space to assist tenants displaced by the Gladys Center closure: motion approved. City staff described the leases as short‑term, bridge space (rent set at $1.50 per square foot with no additional utility charges) with leases ending no later than Nov. 15 and with prorated billing if tenants leave early. One councilmember abstained from this vote because they are a tenant of the Gladys Center. (Recorded motion and discussion: 16:00–19:40.)

- Adopt the 2026 City of Pullman legislative priorities: motion approved unanimously. (Recorded motion and discussion: 32:05–33:40.)

- Approve consent agenda (minutes and disbursements): consent agenda approved. Highlights in the consent agenda included approval of meeting minutes and disbursement totals: accounts payable checks #201131745 through #201131915 totaling $996,299.85 and electronic transfers totaling $1,274,489.92 as read into the record.

What council said

R.J. Lauder, community development director, described the CHIP grant as intended to reimburse costs that connect affordable housing to utilities and infrastructure; he told council, “The decision to apply for the grant does not imply or constitute approval of any other proposed housing development needs or applications such as zoning, permitting, or other review processes.” Jeff Albrecht, interim city administrator, described the Old City Hall leases as “literally just kind of a bridge space for these” tenants while staff and community partners identify permanent locations.

Formal action details (summary)

- CHIP grant application: motion to authorize submittal; mover/second not specified in the transcript; outcome: approved; noted recusal by Council member Guido and one abstention recorded.

- Short‑term lease authorization (Old City Hall): motion to authorize mayor and director to enter into short‑term leases; mover/second not specified in transcript; outcome: approved; one abstention recorded by a councilmember who stated they are a tenant of the Gladys Center.

- 2026 legislative priorities: motion to adopt; outcome: approved unanimously; mover/second not specified in transcript.

- Consent agenda (minutes and disbursements): motion to approve by single action; outcome: approved unanimously; mover/second not specified in transcript.

Why it matters

The CHIP grant application signals a city effort to partner with Hills & Rivers Housing Trust on affordable housing infrastructure. The short‑term lease authorization is an immediate, council‑authorized step to provide temporary space for nonprofits and small groups displaced by the closure of the Gladys Center. Adoption of legislative priorities sets Pullman’s agenda for state funding and policy advocacy in 2026.

Ending: Council approved the items listed above and directed staff to proceed with the grant application and lease agreements; several items had individual recusals/abstentions recorded on the public record.